In their role as consummate outsiders, the band has turned down major record deals and have opted instead to run down their own track where, with the help of collaborators such as Joe Jackson, they have recorded over 15 albums and DVDs as well as countless videos, singles, EPs, and compilation tracks. Their music has appeared in film and on television. They have penned film-scores and themes for kids’ programming on Nickelodeon. They have recorded jingles for AOL, Miller, Cisco Systems, Michelob, and Coca-Cola amongst others.
However, it is on the road that the band has carved out their reputation and will surpass, at some juncture in 2007 the milestone of 4,500 live concerts performed throughout the world. They have been dubbed “Pioneers of Ska” (by Billboard) the “ Miles Davis of Ska and the “Ramones of Ska” alike. Tour plans for 2007 include 7 weeks in Europe (with go Jimmy Go) starting on February 1st, followed by 6 weeks in the USA with the Briggs starting in April. The band will participate in this year’s Warped Tour from July 18th until August 12th. A west coast tour is planned for the fall as well as more European dates, including England, in November
The band has had more line-up changes than the average band hot dinners, however this has only served to make them stronger and has translated into a monster set of substitutes that would make even Manchester United jealous. The band is currently going out as (the power) 5-piece: Bucket, band founder and major songwriter, is on guitar and vocals, Duckie is on drums, Jahson Nwagbaraocha is on bass and chats, Jeff Richey on sax and Greg Robinson is on the t-bone. Expect to see some special guests and familiar faces on this upcoming tour! This line-up is currently in the studio in Valencia (Spain) laying down tracks and the One More Bullet will be out early in 2007 on Stomp Records in North America and Megalith, Leech and MoonSka World labels in Europe. A Japanese release will appear on Diskunion and on Radiola records in Brazil.
The band is currently sponsored by the following partners: Jagermeister, Sam Ash, Draven Shoes, SKA Brewing Company, Modern Action Shirts, and Eastpak
Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down
The Toasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Each day the system tries to bring me down
With a minimum wage in the factory
I'm slaving in the Twentieth Century
And the whole damn world
Is gangin up to bring me to my knees
That they want no ravers moving in around here
I wont play ball, wont do what i'm told
I'd rather be a square peg in a round hole
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
I'm living in a world where I don't really fit
Every day walking through the same old shit
I'm gonna get my gun, gonna get prepared
I'm not impressed and I'm not scared
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Me say the war must stop
No one canna win
Ah we livin in da ghetto
On da streets of dis town
Ah da whole world
I said dis a one
...you a man
You stand up firm gotta stand up strong
Listen ghetto youth dis how we keep in da land
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
The lyrics of The Toasters’ song Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down describe the struggles of a person living in a gray and oppressive town, facing a system that is constantly trying to bring them down. The minimum wage job the person has in a factory is a clear indication that they are living in poverty and struggle to make ends meet. The person feels that the entire world is against them, trying to bring them to their knees. Their neighbors are also unwelcoming, making it clear that they do not want anyone who is different from them moving in.
However, the person refuses to conform to the societal norms and play by the rules set for them. They would rather be a square peg in a round hole than conform to the standards set by those around them. The person is determined not to let the bastards grind them down and conquer them, determined to fight back against the system that is trying to oppress them. The song ends with a powerful message to the ghetto youth to stand up strong and firm to keep their land.
Overall, the song is a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It encourages people not to give up, to remain steadfast, and to keep fighting against the forces that try to bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Each day I wake up in this gray old town
Every day, I wake up in a dull and lifeless place.
Each day the system tries to bring me down
Every day, the societal norms and expectations try to oppress me.
With a minimum wage in the factory
I work in a factory and earn only the minimum wage.
I'm slaving in the Twentieth Century
I work in a system that is outdated and exploits the workers.
And the whole damn world
The entire world is against me.
Is gangin up to bring me to my knees
Everybody is conspiring to bring me down and humiliate me.
And now the neighbors make it loud and clear
Now, the neighbors are openly expressing their disdain towards me.
That they want no ravers moving in around here
They do not want anyone who is different or unconventional to live in their vicinity.
I wont play ball, wont do what i'm told
I refuse to conform and obey the norms set by society.
I'd rather be a square peg in a round hole
I would rather be unique and different, rather than fit in with the crowd.
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
Do not let the oppressors and the oppressive system bring you down!
Don't let them grind you down!
Do not let anyone or anything oppress you and bring you down!
I'm living in a world where I don't really fit
I am living in a world that does not accept me for who I am.
Every day walking through the same old shit
Every day, I am facing the same boring and stifling routine.
I'm gonna get my gun, gonna get prepared
I am going to arm myself and be ready to face any challenge that comes my way.
I'm not impressed and I'm not scared
I am not intimidated by anyone or anything.
Me say the war must stop
I believe that the conflicts and struggles must come to an end.
No one canna win
In any conflict, there are no true victors.
Ah we livin in da ghetto
We are living in a poverty-stricken and disadvantaged area.
On da streets of dis town
In the streets of this town, we are facing various challenges.
Ah da whole world
The entire world is involved in the challenges we are facing.
I said dis a one
I am saying this is the truth.
...you a man
You are a human being.
You stand up firm gotta stand up strong
You must stand up for yourself and your beliefs with determination and resilience.
Listen ghetto youth dis how we keep in da land
Listen, young people from disadvantaged areas, this is how we survive and thrive.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dale Maher Woodlock
As someone who works in retail this song is therapeutic.
Brad M
I love this band, amazing Live! THANK YOU TOASTERS! YOU GUYS SAVED MY SOUL WITH YOUR AMAZING MUSIC! SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS BAND!
Vida Lovecraft
Cheers to you!! Big same- I've lost count of all the time music has pulled me from the void. Punk and ska music especially. Glad you're still alive and a living example of not letting the bastards grind ya down! Keep your head, knees and PMA up and swinging elbows, baby! ❤️
Luke McManamon
This song is putting a smile on my face at the exact moment I needed a smile on my face. #hardworklongdayslonghours
Ben Dover
MOST UNDERRATED SKA BAND
Subject T. Change
Inspecter 7? Hub City Stompers? SkOidats?
CringusClanMovies
@Subject T. ChangeMighty Mighty Bosstones?
Subject T. Change
@CringusClanMovies I thought we were discussing “underrated” bands, not platinum selling acts that were in Clueless.
Chris Williams
This is some of the best ska there is. Love this 2 Tone sound!
Brownguy19
Really love how much louder the bass seems mixed in this video